I DID IT ALL BY MYSELF!

My 4, 6 and 8-year-old granddaughters participated in the Redbud Fun Run in Oklahoma City this past weekend. My daughter signed them up intending to run together as a family. The 6 and 8-year-olds quickly tossed the plan aside to race with school friends. There weren’t too many 4-year- olds in the race, so Mom and Baby Cakes were content to run together.

At the starting gun they took off running. Baby Cakes ran as hard and fast as her little legs would propel her. It wasn’t long before she looked at her mother and said, “Mommy, I’m tired. I can’t do this anymore.”

“Yes, you can. Slow down a little bit,” Mom said as she wiped the pleading face. “Take a sip of water and catch your breath. Can you fast walk?”
“No, Mommy, it’s too hard. My feet hurt. I can’t do it.” Tears welled up in her eyes.
 “I’ll carry you for a while,” Mom said. Baby Cakes clasped her arms around her mother’s neck and held on tight. Mom ran for the two of them until the added weight forced her to a walk.
“Baby, can you walk for a while?”
“I don’t know. I’ll try, but it’s hard.”
“I know, but you can do it. I’ll be right here. I’ll hold your hand.”

And so they continued the race. At times they jogged or walked together. Flushed chubby cheeks and panting tongue reflected Baby Cakes’ effort, so Mom carried her until she could walk again.

 As they approached the finish line, Baby Cakes’ demeanor changed completely. First she heard the encouraging crowd and picked up her pace. Then she spotted her sisters’ and grandparents’ cheering her on. She broke into a big smile and charged the finish line yelling, “I did it! I did it! I did it all by myself!” She accepted their hugs and congratulations. Her mother stood by smiling and never offered any correction.

I love that story. Sweet Baby Cakes. There was no deceit in her. She discounted the times her mother carried her, held her hand, and encouraged her. In her mind she didn’t quit, therefore she completed the race “all by myself.”

How often have I been through tough times and called out to God for help. I’ve whined and cried and told Him I couldn’t go on. He carried me. He set me on my feet to continue the race assuring me He would never leave me nor forsake me*. He held my hand and encouraged me. Sometimes the encouragement came through His Word. Sometimes it came through a friend. I received them all and keep plodding along with my tongue hanging out. The cheering crowd bolstered my spirits as I crossed the finish line. Have I discounted Him at the finish line? Did I boast, “I did it all by myself?” Sometimes I did, but most of the time I give him the praise and glory for His unswerving grace. 

Lord, thank you for the mercy and grace to finish this race.
*"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God. He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6.

I did it all by myself!